The Briggs Brothers

Christmas was going to be very limited for the Briggs brothers. The two boys and their mother moved in early December; after paying utility deposits and other relocation expenses, there was little left to buy presents. The item at the top of 5-year-old Ayri’s wish list – a new bicycle – wouldn’t be under the tree on Christmas morning.

Enter Bikes for Tykes. In December 2011, the Tulsa-based non-profit organization provided 180 new children’s bicycles to clients of Family & Children’s Services – including Ayri and his 3-year-old brother, Ayrius. Bicycle helmets were provided by Safe Kids Tulsa Area.

“I cried for a couple of days after hearing about the bikes,” said the boys’ mother, Ayrahel.

Her sons’ reactions were a bit louder. When Ayrius saw his new bicycle on Christmas morning, he jumped up and down while clapping wildly. Ayri parroted one of his favorite commercials, excitedly chirping “Shut the front door!”

Ayrahel was touched by the generosity Bikes for Tykes showed her sons – and grateful that we didn’t experience a white Christmas. “Thank goodness the weather’s been nice,” Ayrahel remarked three days after Christmas. “I haven’t been able to get the boys off their bikes yet!”